Historically, there has always been a subset of the population who has considered money to be a god. However, in more recent times, society has experienced the progression of money from demigod to supreme being. In the infamous words of Wu-Tang Clan, “Cash rules everything around me.” Or does it?

In today’s culture, money seems to be the ultimate common denominator. In many cases, it is the pivotal driving force for decision making. Most people consult their money before they consult their God, family or friends. Money motivates us. It drives us. It seduces us. The truth is, there is nothing inherently wrong with money. Money is the world’s currency. Our capitalistic society is based on commerce, which is ultimately an exchange of goods and money. The problem occurs when we place the value of money above all else.

In the new rat-race normal, big business has become the new big brother. Its presence is ubiquitous, and its reach extends far beyond the bottom line to the bottom of our wallets. The concept of enough is unquantifiable and insatiable. It’s not enough for everyone to have his or her own piece of the pie. Somehow, many in our society have subscribed to the misguided notion that we all cannot win. Just look at the level of greed on Wall Street. Economic goals are moving targets. The cry for more has become a daily anthem. The almighty dollar has become the alpha and the omega for many.

Navigating the course of the economic labyrinth is exhausting. Oftentimes, financial resolutions often boil down to a battle of stamina. Many company policies are intentionally designed to fatigue the consumer. The hamster wheel approach to problem resolution frustrates most people into financial surrender. Fortunately, money is not a God. God is God, and He still sits on the throne.

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal,” (Matthew 6:19, KJV). If we allow money to become our gods, then what recourse do we have when our money fails us? Money will fail us. It’s not a matter of if. It’s a matter of when.

Last year, I read a story about a Chinese man, who five years prior, had buried his entire life’s savings. About a year ago, when he and his family dug up the buried money, they discovered that insects had eaten through most of the man’s cash. Fortunately, the local bank was able to exchange the salvageable bills, which accounted for approximately half of his savings. Although this man’s story had some what of a happy ending, what about those who weren’t so fortunate? What about those who have lost all of their financial wealth and have nothing else to turn to? What do they do?

Jesus was not oblivious to the value of money in the world’s economic structure (Matthew 17:24-27). He acknowledged that there was some value to subscribing to the laws of the land. However, he also asserted that monetary gain should not be the foundation on which we stand. Wealth and fortune are fleeting. Life should be built on more stable foundations. There are things in this life that money cannot buy. Money cannot buy happiness, freedom, respect or love. In fact, money is often the cause of strife. If we rest our hope and dreams on wealth, we will always face chronic disappointment.